WND Exclusive

Conservative talk host ousted in favor of ex-governor

Deal with WOR ends when station managers hire politician

Published: 09/08/2011 at 1:00 AM

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Steve Malzberg

Longtime WOR Radio afternoon drive-time host Steve Malzberg is outlining a future that could include television, newspaper work, Internet broadcasting and speaking appearances after his abrupt departure from his slot on the air.

His departure was announced when the station chose ex-New York Gov. David Paterson for the 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. time frame that Malzberg had been assigned.

“As you may know by now, WOR Radio has decided not to renew my contract which expires in October. They have also elected not to have me finish out my contract, so I am officially done with my on-air shows on WOR,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of the four years in PM-Drive there. I could not have imagined the great success, which came very quickly. (Not entirely true, I knew we would rock!) I wish my successor David Paterson all the best. Please understand that this is not the end of the Steve Malzberg Show, just a detour on the road to a better and bigger forum for all of us.”

According to Media Bistro, he wasn’t particularly surprised the station decided to abandon his conservative-focused format and jump at the former politician.

“They decided to go in a completely different direction,” he told Media Bistro.

“So many of you have been a part of my family over my 30 years on the air (June 11, 2012 will be 30 years!),” he told listeners. “You have been with me through the events that have shaped our world and through my marriage, the birth of Robert, my divorce, the passing of my dad and my mom’s battle with cancer, which she is winning.”

According to Talkers Magazine, station spokesman Jerry Crowley said Paterson “proved to be a favorite with our listeners throughout the tri-state area. He was the obvious choice to be the man behind the microphone as we extend our locally focused drive-time programming to the afternoon.”

Since Paterson left the governor’s office, the report said, he’s had experience with some fill-in radio work at WFAN and other New York stations.